Apparatus and method of resetting an electric device

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides an apparatus and method of resetting an electric device. One method according to the present invention includes providing an electrical device including a power supply and an electrical component; providing an interconnect; electrically coupling the power supply and the electrical component using the interconnect; shorting the power supply of the electrical device following the coupling; removing the short; and applying power from the power supply to the electrical component via the interconnect. Another method according to the present invention includes providing a substrate; supporting a power supply using the substrate; supporting an electrical component using the substrate; coupling the power supply and the electrical component using an interconnect; temporarily shorting the power supply; and applying power via the interconnect to the electrical component using the power supply.

RELATED PATENT DATA

This patent resulted from a continuation application of priorapplication Ser. No. 08/969,626, filed on Nov. 13, 1997, entitled“Apparatus and Method of Resetting an Electric Drive” now U.S. Pat. No.6,081,047.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method of resetting anelectric device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electronic identification systems typically comprise two devices whichare configured to communicate with one another. Preferred configurationsof the electronic identification systems are operable to provide suchcommunications via a wireless medium.

One such configuration is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/705,043, filed Aug. 29, 1996, assigned to the assignee of the presentapplication and incorporated herein by reference. This applicationdiscloses the use of a radio frequency (RF) communication systemincluding communication devices. The disclosed communication devicesinclude an interrogator and a transponder, such as a tag or card.

Such communication systems can be used in various identificationfunctions and other applications. The interrogator is configured tooutput a polling signal which may comprise a radio frequency signalincluding a predefined code. The transponders of such a communicationsystem are operable to transmit an identification signal responsive toreceiving an appropriate command or polling signal. More specifically,the appropriate transponders are configured to recognize the predefinedcode. The transponders receiving the code subsequently output aparticular identification signal which is associated with thetransmitting transponder. Following transmission of the polling signal,the interrogator is configured to receive the identification signalsenabling detection of the presence of corresponding transponders.

Such communication systems are useable in identification applicationssuch as inventory or other object monitoring. For example, a remoteidentification device is attached to an object of interest. Responsiveto receiving the appropriate polling signal, the identification deviceis equipped to output an identification signal. Generating theidentification signal identifies the presence or location of theidentification device and the article or object attached thereto.

Some electronic and communication devices utilize a conductive adhesiveor epoxy for attachment of circuit or electrical components toconductive patterns or traces upon a base substrate of the communicationdevice. The epoxy is applied by conventional techniques, such as stencilprinting, and thereafter the electrical component is placed in contactwith the epoxy. The epoxy is thereafter cured over a sufficient periodof time. Such curing renders the epoxy conductive providing electricalcoupling of the electrical component with the conductive trace.

It has been observed that certain epoxies gradually become conductiveover a period of time during cure. Slow curing of the epoxy may causeelectrical circuitry within the electronic device to latch-up such thatit does not properly function. Latching-up of the component circuitry isa result of the epoxy being only partially conductive during cure.

Therefore, there exists a need to provide component attachment usingconductive adhesive or epoxy while alleviating problems typicallyassociated therewith.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect, the present invention provides an apparatusconfigured to reset an electrical device having a power supply. Theapparatus includes plural electrodes configured for electricalengagement with plural terminals of a power supply of the electricaldevice. A switch is provided which has plural power terminals and acontrol terminal. The power terminals are electrically coupled with theelectrodes and the control terminal is operable to receive a controlsignal. The switch is configured to electrically connect the powerterminals and short the power supply responsive to the control signal.The apparatus also includes a controller configured to generate thecontrol signal and apply the control signal to the switch. Preferredembodiments include an indicator to indicate shorting of the powersupply.

The present invention provides a method of resetting an electricaldevice in a next aspect of the present invention. The method includesproviding an electrical device including a power supply, an electricalcomponent and an interconnect. The method also includes electricallycoupling the power supply and the electrical component using theinterconnect and shorting the power supply of the electrical devicefollowing the coupling. The short is removed and thereafter power isapplied from the power supply to the electrical component via theinterconnect.

Another method of forming an electrical device in accordance with thepresent invention includes providing a substrate and supporting a powersupply and electrical component using the substrate. This method alsoincludes coupling the power supply and the electrical component using aninterconnect, temporarily shorting the power supply and applying powervia the interconnect to the electrical component using the power supply.

The present invention also discloses another method of forming anelectrical device. The method according to this aspect of the subjectinvention includes supporting a power supply using a substrate andcoupling an electrical component with the power supply using anadhesive. The method further provides curing the adhesive, shorting thepower supply, and conducting electricity using the cured adhesive afterthe shorting.

According to another aspect, the present invention provides a method offorming a remote intelligent communication device. This method includesforming a conductive pattern upon a substrate and electrically couplingan integrated circuit with the conductive pattern. The method furtherprovides electrically coupling a power supply having a power terminaland a ground terminal with the conductive pattern and electricallycoupling a reset device with the power terminal and the ground terminalof the power supply. Next, the power terminal and the ground terminal ofthe power supply are shorted using the reset device and electricity isapplied to the integrated circuit following the shorting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below withreference to the following accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is an illustrative diagram of one embodiment of a communicationssystem comprising plural electronic devices.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of an embodiment of an electronicdevice of the communication system.

FIG. 3 is a front elevational view of the electronic device at anintermediate processing step.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the electronic device at anintermediate processing step downstream of the step shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of one embodiment of a resetapparatus in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of the reset apparatus shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 is a graphical representation of the voltage of a power supply ofthe electronic device.

FIG. 8 is an elevational end view of a completed electronic device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of theconstitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progressof science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

The present invention provides an apparatus configured to reset orre-initialize an electrical device. In one embodiment, the disclosedapparatus is configured to momentarily short a power supply of theelectronic device, thereby resetting the electrical device. The shortingis responsive to a coupling of the reset apparatus with the powersupply. The apparatus of the present invention may be utilized in otherapplications and with electronic devices having differentconfigurations. According to additional aspects of the presentinvention, methods of resetting and forming electrical devices includingremote intelligent communication devices are also provided.

The operation of the present invention is described herein withreference to electronic communication devices. However, the presentinvention is not limited to such applications. The electroniccommunication devices described herein include various forms cfhousings. The embodiments are illustrative and other configurations arepossible. Certain embodiments of the electronic communication devicescomprise radio frequency identification devices (RFID) and remoteintelligent communication devices (RIC). Remote intelligentcommunication devices are capable of functions other than theidentifying function of radio frequency identification devices.

Referring to FIG. 1, an electronic device 10, such as a remoteintelligent communication device or electronic communication devicecomprises part of a communication system 12. The communication system 12shown in FIG. 1 further includes an interrogator unit 14. An exemplaryinterrogator 14 is described in detail in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 08/806,158, filed Feb. 25, 1997, assigned to the assignee of thepresent application and incorporated herein by reference. The electronicdevice 10 communicates via electromagnetic signals, such as radiofrequency (RF) signals, with the interrogator unit 14. Electromagneticsignals or radio frequency signals including microwave signals areutilized for communications in a preferred embodiment of communicationsystem 12.

The communication system 12 further includes an antenna 116 coupled tothe interrogator unit 14. An exemplary radio frequency communicationsystem is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/705,043,which was incorporated above.

Referring to FIG. 2, the electronic device 10 includes an insulativesubstrate or layer of supportive material 18. The term “substrate” asused herein refers to any supporting or supportive structure, includingbut not limited to, a supportive single layer of material or multiplelayer constructions which may be flexible. Example materials for thesubstrate 18 comprise polyester, polyethylene or polyimide film having athickness of 4-6 mils (thousandths of an inch). A plurality of inklayers (not shown) are applied to substrate 18 in other embodiments ofthe invention. Substrate 18 provides an outer periphery 21 of device 10.The substrate 18 defines a first portion of a housing for the electronicdevice 10.

Referring to FIG. 3, intermediate processing of electronic device 10 isdescribed. Substrate 18 includes a support surface 20. A patternedconductive trace 30 is formed or applied over the substrate 18 directlyatop the support surface 20 in the described embodiment.

A preferred conductive trace 30 comprises silver ink or polymer thickfilm (PTF). One manner of forming or applying the conductive ink is toscreen or stencil print the ink on the support surface 20 throughconventional screen printing techniques. The conductive ink formsdesired electrical connections with and between electronic componentswhich will be described below.

The illustrated conductive trace 30 further provides antennas 32, 34which are suitable for transmitting and receiving electromagneticsignals or RF energy. Other antenna constructions of antennas 32, 34 arepossible.

Conductive trace 30 additionally includes a plurality ofinterconnections or power source terminals, including a first connectionterminal 53 and a second connection terminal 58. Terminals 53, 58 areformed on support surface 20 of device 10. One embodiment of anelectronic device 10 provides a power source 52 (shown in phantom inFIG. 3). Power source 52 is disposed within antenna 32 in one embodimentof electronic device 10.

Referring to FIG. 4, electrical components, such as power source 52 andan integrated circuit 54, are provided and mounted on support surface 20and supported by substrate 18. Other components including capacitors 57are mounted on surface 20 in the depicted embodiment. Power source 52provides operational power to selected electronic components of theelectronic device 10, including integrated circuit 54.

Integrated circuit 54 includes suitable circuitry for providing wirelesscommunication operations in the described embodiment of the invention.For example, in one embodiment, integrated circuit 54 includes aprocessor 62, memory 63, and transponder circuitry 64 for providingwireless communications with interrogator unit 14. An exemplary andpreferred integrated circuit 54 is described in U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 08/705,043 incorporated by reference above.

Transponder circuitry 64 includes a modulator and a receiver. Thereceiver is configured to receive electromagnetic signals and themodulator is configured to output or communicate electromagneticsignals. The modulator comprises an active transmitter or a backscatterdevice according to certain embodiments of the present invention. Suchoutputting or communicating of the electromagnetic signal via themodulator comprises one of transmitting the electromagnetic signal andreflecting a received signal in the described embodiments.

When configured as an active transmitter, the modulator of transpondercircuitry 64 is operable to transmit an electromagnetic signal such as aidentification signal responsive to the receiver receiving a pollingsignal. Processor 62 is configured to process the polling signal todetect a predefined code within the polling signal. Responsive todetection of an appropriate polling signal, processor 62 instructstransponder circuitry 64 to output or communicate an identificationsignal. The identification signal contains an appropriate code toidentify the particular device 10 transmitting the identificationsignal.

Alternatively, when embodied as a backscatter device, the modulator oftransponder circuitry 64 operates to selectively reflect a receivedelectromagnetic signal following processing of the signal withinprocessor 62. The reflected signal also serves to identify theparticular device 10 communicating the reflected signal.

In the illustrated embodiment, power source 52 is a battery. The batteryis preferably a thin profile battery which includes first and secondterminals of opposite polarity. More particularly, the battery has a lidor negative (i.e., ground) terminal or electrode, and a can or positive(i.e., power) terminal or electrode. Plural power sources are providedin other embodiments of the invention.

A conductive adhesive, such as conductive epoxy, is applied over desiredareas of the support surface 20 using conventional printing techniques,such as stencil printing, to assist in component attachment describedjust below. Alternately, solder or another conductive material isemployed instead of conductive epoxy. The power source 52 is providedand mounted on support surface 20 using the conductive epoxy. Integratedcircuit 54 is also provided and mounted or conductively bonded on thesupport surface 20 using the conductive epoxy. Integrated circuit 54 canbe mounted either before or after the power source 52 is mounted on thesupport surface 20. The conductive epoxy provides interconnects toelectrically couple integrated circuit 54 and power source 52 withconductive trace 30.

More specifically, first and second connection terminals 53, 58 arecoupled to the integrated circuit 54 by conductive epoxy in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the invention. In addition, conductiveepoxy electrically connects the first terminal of the power source 52 tothe first connection terminal 53 (shown in phantom in FIG. 4). In theillustrated embodiment, power source 52 is placed lid down such that theconductive epoxy makes electrical contact between the negative terminalof the power source 52 and the first connection terminal 53.

Power source 52 has a perimetral edge 56, defining the second powersource terminal, which is disposed adjacent second connection terminal58. In the illustrated embodiment, perimetral edge 56 of the powersource 52 is cylindrical, and the connection terminal 58 is arcuate andhas a radius slightly greater than the radius of the power source 52, sothat connection terminal 58 is closely spaced apart from the edge 56 ofpower source 52.

Subsequently, conductive epoxy is dispensed relative to perimetral edge56 and electrically connects perimetral edge 56 with connection terminal58. In the illustrated embodiment, perimetral edge 56 defines the can ofthe power source 52, such that the conductive epoxy connects thepositive terminal of the power source 52 to connection terminal 58. Theconductive epoxy is then cured providing conductive interconnects ofpower source 52 and integrated circuitry 54 with conductive pattern 30.

The present invention provides an apparatus and methods of resetting orre-initializing the electronic device 10 and integrated circuit 54. Suchresetting is preferably provided following attachment of the electricalcomponents and subsequent curing of the epoxy. Resetting orre-initialization of electronic device 10 provides a controlled.power-up condition of device 10. Such resetting cures latch-up problemsof integrated circuit 54 which may occur during the fabrication ofelectronic device 10. In the described embodiment, the resetting followsthe curing of the conductive adhesive or epoxy which renders suchadhesive or epoxy conductive.

Referring to FIG. 5, one embodiment of a reset device or apparatus 100in accordance with the present invention is shown. The depicted resetapparatus 100 operates as an external shorting circuit configured topull the power supply 52 of electronic device 10 low and control therise time as it ramps high. Following establishment of a stablecondition within electronic device 10, reset apparatus 100 may bedisconnected from device 10. Reset apparatus 100 comprises an internalpower supply 102, controller 104, reset circuitry 106 indicator 108 andconnection or connectors 110 in the illustrated embodiment.

Power supply 102 is configured to provide DC power to selectedcomponents of the reset or test apparatus 100. Controller 104 isconfigured to generate control signals for operating apparatus 100.Controller 104 is operable to control reset circuitry 106 and theresetting or re-initializing of electronic device 10 coupled withconnectors 110 of reset apparatus 100. Reset circuitry 106 comprises aswitch having plural power terminals and a control terminal in thedescribed embodiment. Reset circuitry 106 is configured to receivecontrol signals from controller 104 and reset electronic device 10 viaconnection 110 responsive to the control signals.

Connectors 110 are operable to provide a removable electrical couplingof electronic device 10 with reset apparatus 100 and reset circuitry 106in one embodiment of the invention. In the described embodiment,connectors 110 comprise plural electrodes configured for electricalengagement with plural terminals of the power supply 52 of electronicdevice 10. Connectors 110 comprise spring-loaded electrodes, alsoreferred to as pogo pins, in one embodiment.

The illustrated embodiment of apparatus 100 includes at least oneindicator 108 operable to generate an audio and\or visual indicationresponsive to resetting or shorting of electronic device 10. Inembodiments where resetting operations are automatically administered,indicator 108 is operable to generate an output signal indicating theadministration of a reset pulse to electronic device 10. The outputsignal is applied to automated test equipment utilized in suchembodiments.

Referring to FIG. 6, components according to one embodiment of apparatus100 are shown in detail. The illustrated apparatus 100 includes powersupply 102, controller 104, reset circuitry 106, plural indicators 108a, 108 b and connectors 110.

Power supply 102 is implemented by two batteries connected in series inthe described embodiment. Suitable batteries have designation 2016 andare available from Eveready Battery Company, Inc. Such 2016 batteriesare sufficient to accommodate a 0.25 mA current drain of reset apparatus100 for approximately 250 hours.

Power supply 102 provides operational power to controller 104. In thedepicted embodiment, controller 104 comprises an integrated circuit 112having designation 74HCT123. The integrated circuit 112 includes pluralmultivibrators 114, 116, also referred to as one-shots. Firstmultivibrator 114 is configured to control the operation of resetcircuitry 106. Second multivibrator 116 is configured to outputindication signals to indicators 108 a, 108 b corresponding to theadministration of a reset pulse to electronic device 10.

Reset circuitry 106 comprises a switch 118 in the described embodiment.The illustrated switch 118 is implemented as a power transistor havingdesignation 276-2072A available from Radio Shack, a division of TandyCorporation. Transistor 118 comprises plural power terminals 120, 122and a control terminal 124.

Power terminals 120, 122 are configured for attachment to the powersupply 52 of electronic device 10 via connectors 110. First powerterminal 120 is configured for attachment to a positive terminal of thepower supply 52 of electronic device 10 and second power terminal 122 isconfigured for attachment to the negative terminal of the power supply52 of electronic device 10. Control terminal 124 is coupled with anoutput (Q output corresponding to pin 13) of first multivibrator 114.

Responsive to the electrical coupling of power supply 52 of electronicdevice 10 with connectors 110, reset apparatus 100 is preferablytriggered once. In the described embodiment of apparatus 100, a risingedge is applied to an input of first multivibrator 114. The Q output offirst multivibrator 114 goes high responsive to receiving power frompower supply 52 of electronic device 10. The output of firstmultivibrator 114 is applied to the control terminal 124 of transistor118 and controls transistor 118 operation. Application of a logic highsignal from first multivibrator 114 to control terminal 124 electricallyconnects the power terminals 120, 122 and shorts power supply 52.Shorting power supply 52 provides controlled resetting orre-initialization of the electronic device 10 coupled with apparatus100.

In addition, the output of first multivibrator 114 is applied to aninput of second multivibrator 116 in the described embodiment ofapparatus 100. Responsive to receiving the logic high output from firstmultivibrator 114, second multivibrator 116 applies a logic low signal(Q not output corresponding to pin 12) to a first indicator 108 a and alogic high signal (Q output corresponding to pin 5) to a secondindicator 108 b. A suitable first indicator 108 a is an audio buzzerhaving designation 273-074A available from Radio Shack, a division ofTandy Corporation. Buzzer 108 a provides an audio indication of theapplication of the reset pulse to electronic device 10. A suitablesecond indicator 108 b is a light emitting diode (LED) to provide visualindication of the application of the reset pulse to electronic device10.

Referring to FIG. 7, a graphical representation of the reset pulse andcontrolled application thereof to electronic device 10 is shown. Line130 represents the voltage at first power terminal 120 from power source52 as a function of time. Initially, the voltage received at thepositive terminal 120 is approximately three volts, as represented byline 130, following attachment of electronic device 10 with connectors110 of the test or reset apparatus 100.

Following attachment of electronic device 10 and the subsequentassertion of the control signal from controller 104 responsive thereto,reset circuitry 106 shorts power supply 52 of electronic device 10 asindicated at position 132 of line 130 on the illustrated graph. Thepower supply 52 of electronic device 10 is dropped to approximately 0.8volts for a selected period of time, or approximately 10 milliseconds(ms) at position 132.

Thereafter, first multivibrator 114 outputs a logic low control signalto reset circuitry 106 and the gate or control terminal 124 of powertransistor 118 therein. The application of the logic low signal to thecontrol terminal 124 opens the electrical connection between powerterminals 120, 122 of transistor 118.

The voltage at terminal 120 ramps high to approximately three volts asrepresented by line 130 following the opening of the electricalconnection intermediate power terminals 120, 122. The power supplyvoltage of electronic device 10 recovers quickly providing a controlledstep-up in voltage and controlled resetting or re-initializing ofelectronic device 10. Thereafter, electronic device 10 is operationaland subsequent processing and fabrication of electronic device 10 iscontinued.

Discrete components (e.g., resistors, capacitors) having preselectedvalues may be utilized to control the length of time of the shorting ofpower supply 52 of electronic device 10 (corresponding to position 132of the graph of FIG. 7). Varying the values of the discrete componentscoupled with first multivibrator 114 varies the length of time of theshorting of power supply 52. Varying the values of the discretecomponents coupled with second multivibrator 116 varies the length oftime of the generation of the indication signal.

Referring to FIG. 8, an encapsulant 60, such as encapsulating epoxymaterial, is subsequently applied and formed to encapsulate thesubstrate 18. Encapsulant 60 covers power source 52, integrated circuit54, and conductive circuitry 30 (electrical components 52, 54, andcircuitry 30 are not shown in FIG. 8). Encapsulant 60 also covers aportion of the support surface 20 and defines a portion of a housing 27for the electronic device 10. Housing 27 comprises substrate 18 inaddition to the encapsulating epoxy material 60. In one embodiment,housing 27 of electronic device 10 has a width of about 3.375 inches, aheight of about 2.125 inches, and a thickness less than or equal toabout 0.0625 inches.

An exemplary encapsulant 60 is a flowable encapsulant. The flowableencapsulant is subsequently cured following the appropriate covering ofthe integrated circuit 54, power source 52, conductive circuitry 30, andsupport surface 20, forming a substantially void-free housing 27 orsolid mass. In the illustrated embodiment, such epoxy constitutes atwo-part epoxy having a resin and a hardener which are sufficient toprovide a desired degree of flexible rigidity. Such encapsulation ofelectronic device 10 is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/800,037, filed Feb. 13, 1997, assigned to the assignee of the presentapplication, and incorporated herein by reference.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described inlanguage more or less specific as to structural and methodical features.It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited tothe specific features shown and described, since the means hereindisclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect.The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms ormodifications within the proper scope of the appended claimsappropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine ofequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A reset device configured to reset electricalcircuitry of an electrical device, the reset device comprising: aplurality of connectors adapted to electrically couple with terminals ofa power supply coupled with electrical circuitry of an electricaldevice; and reset circuitry configured to electrically short theconnectors together to short the terminals of the power supply and toremove the short to reset the electrical circuitry of the electricaldevice.
 2. The device according to claim 1 further comprising controlcircuitry configured to control the electrical short of the connectorsand to control the removal of the short.
 3. The device according toclaim 1 further comprising control circuitry configured to control theelectrical short of the connectors responsive to coupling of theconnectors with the terminals of the power supply.
 4. The deviceaccording to claim 1 further comprising an indicator configured toindicate the electrical short of the connectors.
 5. The device accordingto claim 1 wherein the reset circuitry is configured to remove the shortafter the elapse of a predefined period of time.
 6. The device accordingto claim 1 wherein the reset circuitry comprises a switch.
 7. A resetdevice comprising: a plurality of connectors adapted to electricallycouple with a plurality of terminals of a power supply external of thereset device; reset circuitry configured to electrically short theconnectors together to short the terminals of the power supply, and toremove the short; and control circuitry configured to control theelectrical short of the connectors and the removal of the short afterthe elapse of a predefined period of time, and to control the electricalshort of the connectors responsive to coupling of the connectors withthe terminals of the power supply.
 8. The device according to claim 7further comprising an indicator configured to indicate the electricalshort of the connectors.
 9. The device according to claim 7 wherein thereset circuitry comprises a switch.
 10. An apparatus comprising: anelectrical communication device including: a power supply having aplurality of terminals; and communication circuitry coupled with thepower supply; and a reset device configured to electrically couple withthe terminals of the power supply and to electrically short theterminals of the power supply.
 11. The apparatus according to claim 10wherein the electrical communication device further comprises aconductive adhesive coupled with the power supply and the communicationcircuitry.
 12. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein theelectrical communication device comprises a radio frequencyidentification device.
 13. The apparatus according to claim 10 whereinthe reset device is configured to control the electrical short of theconnectors.
 14. The apparatus according to claim 10 wherein the resetdevice is configured to remove the short after the elapse of apredefined period of time.
 15. The apparatus according to claim 14wherein the reset device is configured to control the electrical shortof the connectors and to control the removal of the short.
 16. Theapparatus according to claim 10 wherein the reset device is configuredto control the electrical short of the connectors responsive to couplingof the reset device with the terminals of the power supply.
 17. Theapparatus according to claim 10 wherein the reset device is configuredto indicate the electrical short.
 18. The apparatus according to claim10 wherein the reset device comprises a switch configured toelectrically short the terminals.
 19. A method of resetting anelectrical device comprising: providing a reset device having aplurality of connectors; coupling the connectors of the reset devicewith terminals of a power supply of an electrical device; electricallyshorting the connectors with one another to electrically short the powersupply of the electrical device; and removing the short.
 20. The methodaccording to claim 19 further comprising controlling the shorting usingthe reset device.
 21. The method according to claim 19 wherein theelectrically shorting comprises shorting internally of the reset device.22. The method according to claim 19 wherein the coupling comprisescoupling the connectors of the reset device with terminals of the powersupply of the electrical device comprising a radio frequencyidentification device.
 23. The method according to claim 19 wherein theremoving comprises removing after the elapse of a predefined period oftime.
 24. The method according to claim 19 further comprising indicatingthe shorting.
 25. The method according to claim 19 wherein the shortingcomprises shorting using a switch.
 26. A method of fabricating anelectrical communication device comprising: providing communicationcircuitry configured to communicate signals; providing a power supply;electrically coupling the communication circuity and the power supply;electrically shorting a plurality of terminals of the power supply witha short circuit; and removing the short circuit.
 27. The methodaccording to claim 26 further comprising controlling the shorting usinga reset device.
 28. The method according to claim 26 wherein theshorting comprises shorting after the electrical coupling.
 29. Themethod according to claim 26 wherein the coupling comprises applying anadhesive and curing the adhesive.
 30. The method according to claim 26wherein the shorting comprises shorting using a switch.
 31. The methodaccording to claim 26 wherein the providing communication circuitrycomprises providing radio frequency identification device circuitry. 32.The method according to claim 26 wherein the removing comprises removingafter the elapse of a predefined period of time.
 33. The methodaccording to claim 26 further comprising indicating the shorting. 34.The method according to claim 26 further comprising coupling a resetdevice with the terminals of the power supply and the shorting isresponsive to the coupling the reset device.